Tiny SUVs Shown By Chevy, VW, Honda At India Auto Expo

Automotive fashion plates now have a new trend to follow: very small SUVs.

At the 2014 India Auto Expo in New Delhi, automakers debuted a crop of concept models with sport-utility vehicle styling and packaging--if not genuine off-road all-wheel-drive abilities--in even smaller vehicle segments than we've seen so far.

While not all the tiny crossovers may see production in their current form, the group shown today numbers some that will be among the smallest utility vehicles on sale anywhere in the world.

Ranging from minicars to subcompacts, they are even dwarfed by the Honda Vezel, a subcompact crossover based on the 2015 Fit that will be launched in the U.S. later this year (under a different name).

They include models from Honda, Volkswagen, and Chevrolet--names known in the U.S.--plus French maker Renault and Indian brand Tata.

Honda Vision XS-1 Concept

The styling possibilities of a tiny SUV were demonstrated by the Honda Vision XS-1 concept.

The Vision XS-1 features a few surprising design elements, including taillights shaped into freestanding loops and a jagged line along the rocker panel.

However, the most surprising thing about this little Honda might be that it can seat seven. All three rows are accessed through a single sliding door that probably isn't production-feasible.

In fact, Honda says it has no plans to produce the Vision XS-1. The concept was meant simply to show the company's interest in small cars, a segment Honda believes has significant growth potential.

The Chevrolet Adra was designed locally at General Motors' Technical Centre-India in Bangalore.

According to GM, the goal was to fit the traditional benefits of an SUV--such as high ground clearance and elevated seating position--into a more compact package with styling that references global Chevrolet models.

That's why this tiny concept has a front end that's vaguely reminiscent of a Chevy Traverse's, and a retro contrasting roof.

So far, the Adra is just a styling study, as GM did not mention any plans for production--but it looks awfully close to a production-ready car to our eyes.